Make your own tasty sedimentary rock to explore geology! I know kids love rock collecting, and my son is definitely a rock hound with the ever-growing collection! Go ahead and try this rock cycle model that is sure to please because it’s edible! He just can’t resist adding a new rock from a beachcombing trip to his collection. However, he had a blast exploring types of rocks and the rock cycle with this super easy to make, sedimentary rock bar snack.
Explore The Rock Cycle With Edible Rock
In my experience kids love candy science, my son especially! Nothing says hands-on learning better than edible science! How about an edible rock cycle made out of some favorite ingredients. Pick up the supplies next time you are at the grocery store.
Use rice Krispies cereal and melted marshmallows to make a model of sedimentary rock, one of the main types of rock in the rock cycle. If you want to make a rock cycle model that explores all 3 types of rock, check out our starburst rock cycle or crayon rock cycle.
LOOK: 20 Amazing Edible Science Experiments
Add this simple rock activity to your science or STEM lesson plans this season. Let’s dig in if you want to learn more about the rock cycle. While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other edible rock activities.
What Is Earth Science For Kids?
Earth Science is the study of the earth, and everything that physically makes up the earth and its atmosphere. From the soil we walk on, to the air we breathe and the oceans we swim in.
What do you learn in earth science? Earth Science topics include the 4 main branches of Earth Science, which are:
- Geology – the study of rocks and land.
- Oceanography – the study of oceans.
- Meteorology – the study of weather.
- Astronomy – the study of stars, planets, and space.
Let’s learn about the steps of the rock cycle, and then get to making our edible sedimentary rock!
Rock Cycle Facts
Beneath the layers of dirt on the Earth’s surface are layers of rock. Over time these layers of rock can change shape and form.
When rocks heat up so much that they melt, they turn to a hot liquid called lava. But as lava cools down, it turns back to rock. That rock is an igneous rock.
Over time, due to weather and erosion, all rocks can break down into smaller parts. When those parts settle, they form sedimentary rock. This change of rock forms is called the Rock Cycle.
Types Of Rock
There are three main kinds of rocks: igneous rock, metamorphic rock, and sedimentary rock.
Let’s learn more about each type of rock!
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks that have been broken down into tiny particles. When these particles settle together and harden, they form sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks can often have a layered appearance. This is the most common rock type found at the Earth’s surface.
Common sedimentary rocks:
- sandstone
- coal
- limestone
- shale
Metamorphic Rock
Metamorphic rocks started out as some other type of rock, but have been changed from their original form by heat, pressure, or a combination of these factors.
Common metamorphic rocks:
- marble
- granulite
- soapstone
Igneous Rock
Igneous rock forms when hot, molten rock crystallizes and solidifies. The melt originates deep within the earth near active plates or hot spots, then rises toward the surface, like magma, or lava. When it cools igneous rock is formed.
There are two types of igneous rock. Intrusive igneous rocks crystallize deep below the Earth’s surface, and the slow cooling that occurs there allows large crystals to form.
Extrusive igneous rocks erupt onto the surface, where they cool quickly to form small crystals.
Common igneous rocks:
- basalt
- pumice
- granite
- obsidian
Get Your Free Printable How Do Rocks Form Pack
Learning about the rock cycle with this edible rock cycle! Grab the free printable rock cycle pack below.
Edible Sedimentary Rock Model
Let’s get learning with edible science the kids love! Sedimentary rocks are usually layered with different bits represented by the ingredients below. The layers are pressed together but not too tightly.
The layers of sand, mud, and rock or pebbles are compressed over a long period of time. However, our edible sedimentary rock doesn’t take years to form! Good thing.
Supplies:
- 10 oz bag miniature marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&M’s minis
- Rice Krispies
Instructions:
STEP 1. Grease an 8×8” baking pan
STEP 2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the marshmallows and butter for 1-2 minutes and stir.
STEP 3. Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal half at a time.
STEP 4. Scoop half your Rice Krispies mixture into the bottom of your greased baking pan and press firmly.
STEP 5. Spread out the chocolate chips and add another layer of Rice Krispies.
STEP 6. Lightly press the Rice Krispies mixture onto the chocolate chips.
STEP 7. Spread the M&M mini’s onto the top layer of Rice Krispies and carefully press them down to stick onto the layer of Rice Krispies.
STEP 8. Let sit for an hour and slice into bars.
More Fun Earth Science Activities
When you finish this rock cycle activity, why not explore more earth science with one of these ideas below. You can find all our geology activities for kids here!
Why not grow sugar crystals or make edible geodes!
Explore the layers of soil with simple LEGO bricks and with an edible soil layers model.
See tectonic plates in action with this hands-on project.
Grab some colored sand and glue for this fun layers of the earth activity.
Learn all about volcanos with these volcano facts, and even make your own volcano.
Learn about how fossils are formed.
Make this paper Earth layers model.
Printable Geology Pack
Kids love rocks, and this 100+ page Geology Pack is a fantastic way to encourage their passion for exploring, learning, and collecting!
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8+ Hands-On Learning Activities exploring crystals, rocks, and volcanos
- Additional mini-packs include materials to learn about soil layers, layers of the earth, and the rock cycle!
- Extras include vocabulary words, fun games, and projects.
- Be a Collector Pack: start a rock collection like a geologist
- 3 Dioramas: Build 3 models including rock cycle, soil layers, and layers of the earth
